QAGOMA debuts an immersive digital experience of Judy Watson’s spellbinding tow row sculpture
Anyone who’s a regular visitor of Brisbane’s ever-dazzling art and culture hub QAGOMA is well familiar with Australian Waanyi multi-media artist Judy Watson’s tow row sculpture, which is found in the GOMA forecourt. Now, QAGOMA is putting a new spin on the eye-catching art piece with an immersive digital experience that animates and illuminates the significance of Judy’s memorable work.
Judy Watson’s bronze tow row sculpture, inspired by the traditional woven fishing nets of Southeast Queensland’s Aboriginal communities, was the winning entrant of the Queensland Indigenous Artist Public Art Commission and part of celebrations for GOMA’s tenth birthday in 2016. Five years on from its conception, the culturally important piece is getting a new lease on life with a digital-reality experience that’s set to unlock deeper meaning about the sculpture, as well as the rich history and culture surrounding the creation and use of these types of fishing nets by First Nations people.
The experience utilises the latest digital technology to take gallery-goers on a magical journey that opens with historical photographs, maps and concept artwork that were part of Judy Watson’s inspiration and research for tow row. From there, you’ll learn the history and significance of tow row fishing nets and how Indigenous communities have created and used them throughout history – including on the Brisbane River, barely 100 metres away from Judy’s tow row installation. Eager to experience this immersive adventure? Head to QAGOMA or hop online here – just make sure you have your headphones handy.
Image one credit: tow row 2016 by leading Queensland artist Judy Watson on permanent display at the entrance to GOMA. Image: Natasha Harth, QAGOMA.
Image two credit: ow row 2016 Installation view. Gallery of Modern Art, Brisbane. Image: Joe Ruckli, QAGOMA.
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